Mpox cases are on the rise in Africa, with fifteen countries reporting active outbreaks, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. The World Health Organization indicates the need for urgent containment measures and increased vaccination efforts, as President Biden pledges support through funding and vaccine donations.
Recent reports highlight an alarming rise in mpox cases across Africa, necessitating urgent action from public health officials and global leaders. Currently, active outbreaks are reported in fifteen African nations, with Morocco being the latest to identify a case. Samuel Boland, who serves as the mpox incident manager for the World Health Organization’s regional office for Africa, indicated that the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi account for nearly 90% of confirmed infections, though new cases are emerging in a variety of other countries, including Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Uganda, Kenya, Gabon, Rwanda, South Africa, and Guinea. According to the World Health Organization, there are two distinct clades of the virus, previously referred to as monkeypox: Clade I, formerly known as the Congo Basin clade, and Clade II, the West African clade. The disease can be transmitted through close personal contact, and occasionally through contaminated objects and areas that have been touched by an infected individual. Clinically, mpox presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. This year, confirmed cases have reached 6,580; however, the number of suspected cases, which are compatible symptoms without laboratory testing due to various constraints in numerous countries, has surged to almost 32,000. This figure is critical, as 844 deaths have been recorded among suspected cases, and 32 fatalities among confirmed cases have been noted since January 1, 2023. In a recent virtual briefing, Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that mpox is not yet under control within the continent. He emphasized that while vaccine donations have begun to arrive, they remain inadequate for effectively managing the outbreak. Kaseya remarked: “We need more,” in reference to the approximately 4 million vaccine doses currently pledged. To further combat the outbreak, U.S. President Joe Biden announced at the United Nations General Assembly his administration’s commitment to contribute $500 million towards efforts aimed at mpox prevention and response in Africa, along with a donation of 1 million doses of mpox vaccine. Although specific timing for vaccine delivery was not provided, President Biden affirmed that these resources would be allocated through bilateral agreements with partner nations as well as via multilateral organizations. In addition to vaccines, Boland emphasized the necessity for comprehensive interventions across the public health spectrum, including enhanced surveillance, case investigation, and community engagement to report illnesses. This strategy should also encompass infection prevention and control, effective case management, and vaccination campaigns, all aimed at curtailing the outbreak and safeguarding public health.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that has rapidly re-emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in African nations. Despite being labeled as a viral outbreak, health professionals are grappling with a surge in cases, compelling a unified response. The World Health Organization is intensely monitoring the situation, particularly in countries severely affected, where high mortality rates and increasing confirmed and suspected cases pose threats not only locally but potentially globally.
In summary, the rising incidence of mpox cases in Africa has instigated urgent calls for action from health authorities and leaders worldwide. Addressing the outbreak necessitates increased vaccine availability, robust public health interventions, and community engagement to facilitate effective containment of this viral disease. There exists a critical need for enhanced collaboration and support to mitigate the impact of mpox on health systems and communities across the continent.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
